VALUABLE RACE WEEKEND FOR THE IRON DAMES

This weekend (22-23 April) was particularly dynamic and instructive for the Iron Dames, from the most experienced drivers to the youngest talents, competing in several races across Europe. 

The trio, Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting, once again brought an all-female driver line-up to one of the most competitive GT championships of the 2023 season with a record 56-car grid set to contest the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. The opening race weekend of the season, held today on the high speed track of the Autodromo di Monza, was very encouraging for the trio. Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting continue to gain experience and improve their performance behind the wheel of the new Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2. In a tough race marked by several Full Course Yellows, the three drivers fought hard, faced challenges and resisted multiple attacks to finish in a creditable 8th position. The whole team will continue to work hard to come back even stronger for the next round at the Circuit Paul Ricard (2-4 June).

This weekend also saw the young Iron Dame, Aurelia Nobels, make her debut in the F4 Italian championship racing at the season-opener in Imola. After being crowned winner of the FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars in December 2022, she joined PREMA’s Italian Formula 4 driver line-up for 2023 as an Iron Dame, faithful to the partnership with the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission and the Ferrari Driver Academy. During this first weekend of the F4 Italian Championship season, marked by eventful races at the Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari, Aurelia performed well – especially compared to more experienced drivers on the grid – in what was a really promising start for her.

Finally, The young 14-year-old Spaniard, Natalia Granada raced in Mariembourg in the IAME Euro Series, one of the many prestigious competitions on her 2023 schedule. Natalia is the first female driver to represent the Iron Dames in karting, motorsport’s entry level discipline, highlighting the strength of the overall project.

This race weekend perfectly illustrates the philosophy and the scope of our project supporting experienced pilots at the highest level and young talents in the very early stages of their careers. I am pleased to see that the Iron Dames are gradually making their mark on this new Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2. I also welcome Aurelia and Natalia’s promising starts to the season, which prove their positive integration in the Iron Dames project. Providing brilliant opportunities to young drivers is a development focus to which we are strongly committed. 

Deborah Mayer, Iron Dames Project Founder